How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to a Heart Attack

The damage can build over time

The excess strain and resulting damage from high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) causes the coronary arteries serving the heart to slowly become narrowed from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances that together are called plaque. This slow process is known as atherosclerosis.

As arteries harden with plaque, blood clots become more likely to form. When an artery becomes blocked due to an accumulation of plaque or a blood clot, the flow of blood through the heart muscle is interrupted, starving the muscle of oxygen and nutrients. The damage or death of part of the heart muscle that occurs as a result is called a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

If you suspect you’re having a heart attack

Pain or pressure in the chest is the most common symptom of a heart attack. However, pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck or jaw can also be a sign — and so can shortness of breath, nausea or light-headedness. If you experience one or more of these warning signs, CALL 9-1-1 immediately, even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack. EMS staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. People with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too.

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*All health/medical information on this website has been reviewed and approved by the American Heart Association, based on scientific research and American Heart Association guidelines. Use this link for more information on our content editorial process.